Sexual Violence Research Workshop, June 23-24, 2008

• NCJ Number: 242225
• Date Published: June 2008
• Length: 0 pages
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Issue Overview; Conference Material

Annotation

This is a summary of the proceedings of the Sexual Violence Research Workshop held in Arlington, VA, on June 23-24, 2008.

Abstract

The workshop assessed current research on the criminal justice system's response to sexual violence and discussed ideas for the further development of such research and the dissemination of its findings to inform practice and policy. In opening remarks, the Director of the U.S. Justice Department's Office on Violence Against Women affirmed that research is a critical component in efforts to counter sexual violence and stalking. Areas suggested for attention are the effectiveness of victim services and how advocacy for sexual assault victims differs from advocacy for domestic violence victims. The acting Deputy Director for Research and Evaluation at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) noted that since 1993, NIJ has dedicated $15 million in research funding to sexual assault and related areas. Subsequent presentations and participant discussions addressed the state of research on the nature and effectiveness of the criminal justice system's response to sexual violence, the application of forensic science to sexual assault investigation and prosecution, and the multidisciplinary response to sexual violence. The workshop's primary goal was to guide and advance the efforts of NIJ and other Federal agencies and policymakers in improving the knowledge and practice of criminal justice in countering sexual violence. The perspectives featured in the workshop will assist in the preparation of a strategic plan that will prioritize funding.